Ophthalmologist supports Homeless Charity at Christmas

The Crisis at Christmas team is boosted with news that consultant ophthalmologist Jan Van Der Hoek, from Scarborough, is joining in the efforts of optometrists and dispensing opticians in London.

Mr Van Der Hoek has supported Vision Care for Homeless People’s clinics as part of the Crisis team for the past three years and is urging others to join –

“I encourage other optometrists to take a day out and join us. It is extremely rewarding to provide clinical care at this critical time of the year and it opens your eyes to another aspect of life in London. This will be my fourth year of Crisis at Christmas. There is a great atmosphere amongst the volunteers and we do some good work. I didn’t realise how handicapped people can be without money and living on the street. Not having glasses – even for reading – is an added handicap, and one that we can resolve so easily.”

Vision Care for Homeless People provides the optometry and dispensing services for up to 250 people each year with clinics which run from 23-29 December. Find out more about the charity by visiting Volunteering for VCHP or Crisis at Christmas for further details.